Meghalaya’s first CM remembered on his 28th Death Anniversary

Staff ReporterTURA, Oct 25: Meghalaya, particularly the Garo Hills region remembered the first CM of the state, Capt Williamson Sangma, through various programs organized on Thursday in many places across the region on the occasion of his 28 death anniversary. The former CM was remembered through grand functions held in his honour across Garo Hills.In Tura, the function held at 10 am in his honour, was held at the GHADC compound and saw the presence of the acting DC, AM Sangma, the SP Dr MGR Kumar, all members of the EC of the GHADC among others. Home minister James PK Sangma was the chief guest for the occasion at Tura.

James exhorted the contribution of the former leader across the entire North East stating that the former CM was not just a leader for the Garos but for the entire NE. He added that it was due to his ceaseless struggle that the state of Meghalaya came into being.“The hill people were made to follow the traditions and customs of the Assamese people and positions in the legislature and government services were denied. It was Capt Sangma who collaborated with the people of the Hills from erstwhile Assam and spearheaded the demand for a hill state that eventually led to the formation of Meghalaya,” said James to the gathering.He added that the former CM contested the 1957 elections and secured a seat in the Assam Government.“From then on he worked tirelessly on his vision, and though he faced with many obstacles he finally succeeded in his mission and became the first Chief Minister of the new state that was Meghalaya,” the home minister added.“His dedication and conviction has inspired us all in our works and we will continue to follow in his footsteps. He will continue to inspire the future generation for years and years to come,” said James.“Oct 25, 1990 was a sad day for us, not only in Garo Hills but the entire North East,” said CEM of GHADC, Dipul Marak.“Captain Sangma was the first Army Captain, first GHADC CEM, first CM and the first Governor from among the Garos,” said Dipul.The CEM also said that he expected more people to participate in the program and that his office would do more to observe the occasion in the future.The earlier part of the programme saw Rastriya Salute to the late leader by the 2nd MLP Batallion, Goeragre as well as floral tributes by dignitaries and citizens at the statue of the former CM. A one minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the late leader.In Williamnagar, the occasion was observed at Williamson Park in which local MLA, Marcuise N Marak was the Chief Guest.Leading the people in laying floral wreaths, Marcus said that by observing his death anniversary, we show respect and love to our great leader.East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, L Ch Marak also spoke a few words and urged people to follow in the late leaders footsteps while Principal of Educere, Gamchi Timre R Marak read out the late leader’s life history.Baghmara Town in South Garo Hills, the home town of Late Captain Williamson A Sangma also observed the occasion at the Capt W A Sangma Memorial Park erected in his memory.North Tura MLA and Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Thomas A Sangma who was the Chief Guest on the occasion urged the people to live their lives with vision as the late leader had done during his tenure. Informing that both his parents belong to Baghmara, the Chief Guest also donated an amount of Rs 1 lakh for the renovation and beatification of the park.Earlier, Rongara-Siju MLA Rakkam A Sangma who was also present on the occasion proposed that the Baghmara Road is renamed as ‘Capt Williamson Memorial Road’ as a mark of respect and remembrance to the late leader.